Flashback: The Top Google Searches from COVID Lockdowns 5 Years Ago

Five years ago, the world was shutting down, and we were all turning to Google for answers (and distractions). Here’s a throwback to some of the biggest search trends from March 2020—when baking, binge-watching, and DIY fixes were our coping mechanisms.

1. "Face Mask" Frenzy

Masks were impossible to find for a while, leading to a surge in DIY cloth mask tutorials.

2. The Sourdough Obsession

Everyone became an overnight baker—searches for "sourdough bread" skyrocketed by 150%. Also, Hilton’s DoubleTree cookie recipe went viral.

3. Virtual Museum Tours

Parents scrambling for at-home educational activities turned to virtual museums.

4. Tiger King Mania

Netflix’s Tiger King (and the chaos that was Joe Exotic) dominated global TV searches.

5. Virtual Workouts Took Off

With gyms closed, fitness searches boomed. (Though let’s be real, some of us just poured another drink instead. 🍷)

RELATED: Elmo Gets His Covid-19 Shot!

6. DIY Everything

From home repairs to craft projects, people were searching for ways to stay busy—and avoid calling a handyman.

7. Loungewear Became the Uniform

If we were staying home, we might as well be comfortable. "Loungewear" became a top-trending search.

8. The Standing Desk Trend

Work-from-home life had people investing in standing desks—but studies later found they might not be great for you.

9. The Hand Sanitizer Shortage

People hoarded and resold hand sanitizer, and searches for it spiked.

10. The Most-Searched "At Home" Topics

1️⃣ COVID tests at home
2️⃣ Workouts at home
3️⃣ Jobs at home
4️⃣ Fun things at home
5️⃣ Harry Potter at Home (Yes, HarryPotter.com launched a free resource for parents and teachers.)

Which of these do you remember most from lockdown life?